Judges

Announcer: We are pleased to Welcome Back Meghan Hauf as our Announcer this year! Meghan did a great job last year and has a heart of gold. She started showing horses when she was in the 3rd grade. Now she has two little future equestrians, and, in addition to a full time job, spends her time volunteering to help young people learn how to care for and ride horses. Meghan said she “wants to pass on her love of horses to future generations”. 

Returning Judge: Dana Panella has over 20 years judging experience and in 2011 was honored to
be named Wisconsin Horse Council Judge of the Year. She also serves as
Chairperson of the WHC Judges Committee. Dana is carded for POAC, WHC, WIHA
and WI 4-H. Experienced in all disciplines including over fences (one of her
favorite classes to judge), she brings over 35 years of show experience and has
trained horses and coached her clients to wins in AQHA, APHA, PtHA, PHBA and
POAC at State, Regional and World Championships shows. Fair, safe and reliable –
Dana enjoys providing positive feedback to all exhibitors and she loves to make
showing a positive and fun experience.

Smokie Brannaman grew up on a 5000-acre horse and cattle ranch in Southwestern Montana. Working with horses, cattle and rodeoing as a professional trick roper was his way of life as a youngster. Upon graduating from high school, Smokie chose to serve his country in the United State Coast Guard. Although his military duties did not always allow much time to spend with his horses, he never the less, rode and trained horses of his own and others throughout his military career. Smokie retired in 2000 from the Coast Guard and worked as a Corporate Operations Manager for a security company. But he soon realized that his true enjoyment came from being around horses, training, riding and helping others with their horses. After working for 2 years as a stable manager for a large boarding stable, Smokie hired on at Ots Sunrise Farm to work with the young horses halter breaking, ground work and starting horses under saddle to progress to more advanced training. Smokie started his own business, Horseman’s Services Limited, llc in 2006 and now works full time as an educator of the horse and rider. Smokie utilizes the training methods of his brother Buck Brannaman, Jeff Griffith, Clinton Anderson and others, as well as his own techniques learned during a lifetime of working with horses. Smokie is a published author of two books about horses and their riders, Whisper This… Not to your horse, to yourself, and his newest book Equiknowlogy 101… and numerous horse training DVDs. Smokie lives with his wife Vickie in Greenleaf Wisconsin and has three grown children, Kat, Travis and Jason. He raises and trains registered quarter horses of his own, which he uses as, Cavalry horses for his hobby, Civil War reenacting, and performing in Wild West Shows throughout the Midwest.

Judge Karla Kegley has been involved in the equine Industry since owning 
her first pony at the age of 7. She showed in 4H and FFA throughout her 
grade school and high school years. She has never outgrown her passion 
for horses and showing.
In 2004 she acquired her first judges card with the Wisconsin State 
Horse Council and went on to be named Judge of the Year for that 
association in 2009. She quickly realized that judging would be a 
passion for her and not just a stepping stone to help with her business. 
She acquired three more judges cards: A Pony of the Americas card, WI-4H 
and Wisconsin Interscholastic Horsemanship Association card.  She has 
also guest judged for the Wisconsin chapter of ApHC.
In 2005 with the help of her  husband Kevin Kegley she grew her part 
time business into her own full time training and lesson program,  now 
named Kegley Performance Horses.  Karla’s show teams compete on the open 
show and National levels. Producing many World champions,  national 
title winners, and open show high point winners. Karla has been involved 
in many youth organizations and helped dozens of kids find their way 
into the show arena and winners circles.  Karla is very involved in the 
Palomino Horse Breeders Association and is the Vice president for the 
Wisconsin Chapter.
In 2019 Karla was awarded the prestigious award of Horse Person of the 
Year for the WI Horse Council.
Kegley Performance Horses is located in Franksville, WI  where we  
proudly stand our AQHA,PHBA,and FQHA Stallion Im Skipa Gold Buddy.  
Buddy is a proven producer of world champions and color.  Other services 
they offer include boarding, training, colt starting, lessons, sales and 
judging.
You can learn more about Kegley Performance Horses by visiting our 
website www.kegleyperformancehorses.com